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Hello everyone, my name is Michael Park. I live on a farm with my wife, Mary, outside of Harriston Ontario. As an elementary school teacher I've just begun to 'dip my toes' into this new technology, little realizing that it would become so important or compelling for our family--at the beginning of August, this year, my father was diagnosed with PD. Needless to say we've all had the wind knocked out of our sails and feel like we're we've been trying to 'grab a cloud 'for the past few weeks. (Is the overuse of metaphor common at his stage?) The discovery of your discussion group seems like a real blessing to us. At last a focus, something concrete that we can do, and a cautious sense of optimism. In two weeks Dad is going in for an initial assessment by a neurologist in Toronto. As you all must know, we have so many questions. Perhaps at the risk of seeming blunt I will simply ask the ones that come to mind immediately, and, if anyone can help with answers or knows of a source where answers can be found, I would be thankful: -What preparation should my mother (who lives with Dad in Brantford) and the rest of the family make for the neorologist appoinment? -As a Canadian, what financial implications will there be with this disease? Dad has group health coverage through his pension--what quesitons does he need to ask the administrators of the plan? -Being a new member of this group, I realize that a considerable amount of information is stored in previous files. How do I identify that information within the files so that I would know which ones to access? -Is anyone aware of a support group within the Brantford area? Brantford is about one hour west of Toronto and 35 min. west of Hamilton. -I've downloaded a list of books, videos and tapes from Ottawa/Carleton, but would appreciate some direction as to which resources would be most appropriate and useful to our family which is just at the beginning of this process. -What other questions should we be asking? Thanking you in advance, Michael Park e-mail: [log in to unmask]